Tsala Treetop Lodge

The treetop suites are elegant, private, and romantic, nestled high in the treetops. Spacious and filled with bright light, the suites are built with natural materials such as wood and stone, which leads to the interiors and exteriors blending into one. Wide floor to ceiling glass windows line the walls and fill the suite with bright, natural light. A luxuriously appointed bedroom includes a large double bed, covered in crisp bed linen and with views across the treetops which can be seen without having to leave the comfort of the bed.

All the suites are ensuite, with a spacious walk-in shower and a freestanding egg bathtub. A rustic lounge area includes a cosy sofa placed in front of a fireplace, offering guests the perfect place to relax and cosy up on a chilly evening. The private decking is where guests can unwind and stare over the luscious treetops of the forest. A sparkling infinity pool sits on the edge of the decking and guests can relax here, high in the forest, catching a refreshing dip in the heat of the afternoon.

The epitome of exclusive romance, the villas at Tsala Treetop Lodge are modern, elegant, and luxurious. Accommodating up to four people, they are perfect for families. There are two bedrooms each with their own ensuites, which include double hand basins, a freestanding egg bathtub, and indoor and outdoor showers. The master bedroom is filled with bright light, flowing through floor-to-ceiling windows which line the wall. Similarly in the lounge area, floor to ceiling windows and folding doors flood the room with light and fresh breezes.

In the lounge area, curved sofas sit in front of the decking and close by a stone fireplace, so guests can snuggle down on a cold evening and gaze out over the treetops. A private decking offers guests the perfect place to unwind after a long day spent exploring, and stare endlessly over the treetops to the horizon beyond.

Guests can make their way to the main dining room at mealtimes to enjoy delicious meals created by talented chefs. The dining room is glass-walled, which creates a feeling of being in the centre of the forest. If guests wish then they can make their way to the dining deck to enjoy a sunrise breakfast or sunset dinner.

Just a short walk away from Tsala Treetop Lodge is the award-winning Zinzi Restaurant. Guests can make their way here for a la carte dining. Fresh and delicious food can be enjoyed al fresco and guests can enjoy a pre or post-dinner drink from the fully stocked bar.

There are many activities which guests can book to experience the wonderful wildlife of this corner of South Africa. During the summer season, dolphins forwent the waters around Plettenberg Bay and guests can organise trips to see these amazing marine creatures. During the winter magnificent whales can be seen from the coast and boat trips can be arranged to capture a glance at these wonderful creatures. Tsala Treetop Lodge is close to the Birds of Eden Bird Sanctuary. A trip can be arranged here to see some of the 200+ species of bird in the world’s largest free-flight bird sanctuary.

Guests can enjoy a day out at Monkeyland, which is a guided safari experience where guests will be able to see a variety of monkey species from Lemurs to Gibbons. Guided by knowledgeable rangers, guests can expect to leave having learnt all about monkeys. Available in the winter months, another once in a lifetime experience which can be arranged is swimming with the seal colony at Robberg.

Guests can arrange to saddle up and explore the wilderness on horseback. Feel the wind in your hair and become a part of nature on the Forest & Fynbos tour or Horseback Safari. For guests who wish to explore the wilderness on their own two feet, there are various hiking trails which can take you all around the pristine wildlife of the area. Guests can hike around the Robberg Nature Reserve, enjoy a coastal walk, walk along the sandy beaches, or explore the coast’s Nature Valley.

Guests can arrange a day of cycling along The Garden Route which will offer views of the waterfront and the forest on off-road tracks. And guests who are keen golfers can enjoy a day at one of the surrounding PGA recommended golf courses.

Guests of Tsala can make their way to one of the many sandy beaches for a day of beach and sea fun. There are many watersport activities which guests can arrange while they are at the beach, from surfing at Plettenberg Bay – known as one of the most beautiful bays in South Africa – to Kayaking the calm waters with an experienced guide who will be able to lead you along the coastline. Kayaking can also be arranged on the Keurbooms River. Another low-impact water sport that can be enjoyed is stand up paddleboarding, which can be enjoyed on the waters of the ocean or the glistening river Keurbooms.

Guests who are keen fishers can book themselves onto a fishing charter from Plettenberg Bay. This can be a full day trip out to the deep waters with possible chances to see dolphins, seals, or whales while waiting for a catch. For the ultimate luxury experience, guests can book themselves onto an evening sunset cruise where you can enjoy a delicious seafood dinner with glasses of sparkling wine while sailing gently on the Knysna Lagoon.

For the adrenaline seeker, there are many activities in the area surrounding Tsala Treetop Lodge that will set your pulse racing. Bloukrans Bungy Jump is the world’s highest bungee jump, and is a short distance away from the lodge. High above the Bloukrans River, you will walk along the catwalk before you jump off the platform and soar towards the river below. Zipline through the canopy of trees in the heart of the forest, 30m above the forest floor for another activity which is bound to set your heart pounding.

With advance booking, skydiving can be arranged for guests. After a scenic plane journey over the forests of Knysna, guests can jump from the plane, and free fall for 35 seconds before your Tandem Master will release the parachute and you will glide gently to the ground.

A once-in-a-lifetime experience of shark cave diving can be arranged. This is an adrenaline-filled but amazing experience, as guests will be able to get a closer look at some of the most misunderstood creatures of the sea.

Tsala Treetop Lodge is part of Hunter Hotels which supports a number of community projects through the Hunter Hotels Foundation. Through this, Tsala Treetop Lodge has supported all Grade 3 learners at the Phakamisani and Kwanokuthula primary schools with their literacy programme, designed to support the children in developing their reading, writing and verbal skills. This programme has enabled children to keep up with age-appropriate literacy skills and aids in supporting their understanding of the English language, preparing them for the transition to teaching in English when they reach Grade 4, rather than their first language, Xhosa.

Gorah Elephant Camp has been able to assist the Langbos Creche and Care Centre since it was established in 2006, helping with the employment of teachers and by purchasing educational supplies which have enabled children to unlock their potential. The staff at Gorah Elephant Camp also spend time with the children during key celebrations throughout the year.

Hunter Hotels’ other properties also have been supporting local projects, Hunter’s Country House supports the Greenhill Educare Centre in Kwanokuthula Plettenberg Bay. This pre-school supports young children from disadvantaged backgrounds and aims to prepare them for starting primary school.

Zinzi Restaurant assists the Harkerville Primary School by donating food parcels so that students are guaranteed a wholesome meal to aid their concentration during the school day. It also provides fresh produce for the St Patrick’s Church soup kitchen and the Masiqhame Group for the elderly and disabled in Kranshoek.